Physical activity levels of individuals living in a group home

Abstract

This study investigated the physical activity patterns of six adults living in a group home. Physical activity was measured by direct observation. Participants were observed for seven consecutive days for a total time of 564 hours and 13 minutes. Energy expenditure estimates were calculated from direct observation and Caltrac® accelerometer data. The intraclass correlation between energy expenditure estimates was. 83. On average per day, participants spent 10 hours lying down, 6 hours sitting, 3 hours standing, 3 hours undertaking personal tasks, and engaged in light to moderate sport, leisure or work at other times. Two participants met the Australian guidelines for physical activity participation; another met the guidelines when he was well. Walking for transport was found to offer a simple, cost neutral opportunity for each participant to meet physical activity guidelines if they could be trained to walk faster.